Climbing mountains can be a very fun activity for a lot of people, but of course it comes with quite a bit of danger as well. There are always going to be risks involved when going up on the mountains or even hills, but the good news is that there are plenty of precautions that can be taken.
A helmet for a climber should be one of the most essential items to invest in. Nobody wants to be stuck in a situation where they are relying on a subpar option that may or may not work properly.
There are a lot of different factors to consider when shopping for just the right helmet to climb in. Some people are going to want to find a helmet that is extremely lightweight, while others want the most protection possible. Below is a list of 10 of the top options available today. Out of all the different options, each one is going to be a little bit different. The good news is that just about every climber will find something that will work for him exactly what they want.
***Note: The following list is in order by price (cheapest first), making it easier for people to work off a specific budget.
Fusion Meka Work Climbing Helmet – $42.25
Those expecting to have the latest and most aerodynamic helmet on the market for $50 are probably going to be a little disappointed. It is slightly heavier and bulkier than some of the others that will be listed below, but it still provides a lot of support for a fraction of the price.
Another thing that really stands out is the ventilation on the helmet. It has 10 different ventilation areas, keeping a person very cool and refreshed during a hard climb.
Despite it looking a little bulkier than other options, it is still only .7 pounds in weight. With durability that I can match just about all the other options out there, there is no doubt that this is a great value option for people wanting exactly that.
What To Love: The most affordable, trusted climbing helmet on the market today.
Buy the Fusion Meka Work Climbing Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Straps can be a bit tricky to get just right.
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet – $54.88
The half dome helmet from Black Diamond is very easy to use and get the right fit almost right away. There is the initial fitting process that a lot of people go through, but it has an easy to use wheel option on the back that allows for fine-tuning as well.
The straps on the helmet are also very useful when it comes to sizing, but the lack of a proper chin support is a little bit frustrating. Chin support is something that a lot of climbing helmets have, so it would make sense for them to have it as well.
One great feature that this helmet has that a lot in this price range lacks is head lamp support. It is also pretty easy to mount a camera to the helmet as well, making it one of the most versatile options available.
What To Love: A unique design that is extremely comfortable.
Buy the Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Lacks full chin support.
PETZL Picchu Climbing Helmet – $64.95
Borrowing from a lot of design ideas that they use on adult models, this is a very durable helmet designed specifically for children in mind. There is going to be more padding, more protection and a very adjustable type of fit. People do not have to settle by any means, and better overall coverage gives parents a better peace of mind.
Investing in a high-quality helmet for any child can be one of the best investments a parent can make. Fortunately, this option from Petzl gives a person everything they need without having to really break the bank. With all the different adjustment options, most children should be able to get at least a few years out of the helmet before needing to upgrade to an adult model.
What To Love: Versatile fitting for years of premium head protection for children.
Buy the PETZL Picchu Climbing Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: A little bulkier compared to adult helmets.
Black Diamond Vector Helmet – $69.05 – $189.01
Available in several different colors, this helmet has all kinds of technology packed into its small profile. The co-molded EPS foam used as a poly carbonate shell to protect climbers as much as possible. They were able to fit several different ventilation holes in strategic areas so that a person stays cool even during days where the temperature gets up over 100 degrees.
Perhaps the most futuristic feature of this helmet is just how it can be folded up and stored very easily. Having the ability to fit it into smaller bags can be very beneficial for those who are packing lately. Not many options out there are as versatile as this one. It’s going to be a little costly, but for the best and most convenient materials out there, many find it worthy of a price this high.
What To Love: Made of top of the line materials from the outer shell to the foam inside.
Buy the Black Diamond Vector Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Sizing is difficult to get perfect.
Mammut Skywalker 2 Climbing Helmet – $79.82
The hard plastic shell with a very tough EPS inner is going to be one of the best options available for safety out there. This is an extremely durable climbing helmet, and it will provide the maximum amount of protection even from high locations.
The ventilation holes on the helmet are very convenient as well. They are strategically placed in different areas to provide 10 openings in total. This helmet never feels like it is getting really hot and heavy, and it sits nicely on most heads. With the adjustment options, just about everyone will find some type of comfort level once they play around with things.
A lot of different helmets have a thumb wheel for adjustments on the go, Mammut’s option is very great for a couple reasons. First, it has a pretty wide range of fit options, making it easy to use if a person is wearing something underneath the helmet like a hat or cap. It’s also easy because it is usable with just one hand because it is big. For those quick adjustments, it is a really great option to have.
Priced lower than a lot of the competition with similar materials, this is definitely an option worth considering. It is only currently available in one color through Amazon, so that might be one drawback that holds people back if they do not like orange.
What To Love: Inexpensive, premium level model that provides great protection and outstanding ventilation.
Buy the Mammut Skywalker 2 Climbing Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Only one color choice online.
Grivel Stealth Climbing Helmet – $99.95
The first thing that any person notices with the gravel stealth planning help at is that it looks different. With the titanium finish, or the bright yellow finish that is also available, the company makes a statement right away. The surface of the helmet is also very unique, but the most important question is, does it actually do a great job?
Since its release, the helmet has been getting great reviews. Using a polycarbonate shell and a lot of vents, it is one of the best helmets available for airflow. It is also extremely lightweight, weighing in at only 190 g. It truly does feel like there is nothing on a person’s head, which can come in handy during those warmer days.
Getting it to fit properly is easy, and adjustments can be made on the fly. The lack of flat surfaces on the helmet does make it tricky to mount headlamps and cameras, but it can still be done.
What To Love: Standout design with ultimate protection to match.
Buy the Grivel Stealth Climbing Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Difficult to mount cameras and lamps.
Black Diamond Vapor Helmet – $104.96 – $256.55
The headliner is the polycarbonate shell that the helmet is made out of. This allows the helmet to be pretty low profile, without sacrificing any type of protection. In fact, it offers the maximum type of protection with a geometric, open air design overall. This allows for the proper amount of airflow, and the best looking option available.
Fitting the helmet is pretty easy initially, and while on the go. It is very easy to wear a hat underneath if a person wants extra protection from the sun, and attachments like a camera and headlamp or easy as well.
It is a pretty pricey option, but it is pretty easy to see exactly why it is considered it to be one of the best of the best. When wearing it on long days, it barely feels like there is anything on the head. That extra bit of comfort can go a long way during those long days when the body is starting to wear down. Available in four colors, this is definitely one to consider if a person has a good amount of money to work with.
What To Love: Low profile and extremely lightweight.
Buy the Black Diamond Vapor Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: The outer shell scuffs pretty easily.
Petzl Vertex Vent Helmet For Work At Height – $109.95
The durability of this helmet is second to none, and might be the most durable option from Petzl out there right now. If a person is pretty rough with their helmet and climbing on a consistent basis, this might be one helmet to invest in.
Breathability is pretty great, and the decent amount of headband foam inside the helmet keeps a person cool despite being very thick. It’s always a delicate balance for a lot of companies to provide protection and comfort, but this is a great combination of both.
Some colors are always a little bit cheaper than others, so it is important to constantly be looking at prices online. This sometimes dips under $100, but a budget of about $110 is probably the smarter bet.
What to Love: Some of the best shock protection available on the market today.
Buy the PETZL Vertex Vent Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Can run a bit hot with smaller ventilation holes.
EDELRID Madillo Climbing Helmet – $109.95
It is always difficult to get a helmet that is compact, but also extremely strong. It seems like Edelrid has been able to figure out exactly how to do just that. The outer shell is extremely strong, absorbing shock very well and providing protection around the entire head. The back of the helmet also works very well, protecting the neck and other important areas.
The foam that the company uses is very good overall. It does not stick, it is very comfortable and it can be accommodating as well. It might not seem like this helmet would be good for larger heads, but there are adjustment options for people to use.
Right now, the company offers just two colors, but they are both pretty standard colors most people enjoy using. The accents on the helmet are a nice, subtle touch for those looking for a truly unique look.
Not many options out there are affordable, use the best materials and completely foldable. This makes the helmet perhaps the best traveling companion out there for those packing light.
What To Love: Modern look and design that protects the head, and turns heads.
Buy the Edelrid Madillo Climbing Helmet HERE.
Any Cons?: Tough to wear for those with big heads.
Petzl – ALVEO VENT Ventilated Helmet for Rescue Work – $114.95
The helmet is technically designed to be used for rescue work, as well as utility safety. Some climbers might be turned off by that a bit in the beginning, but enough people have used it that it can be trusted as a climbing option as well.
Protection is always going to be a big factor with any helmet, and that is especially true for something designed for rescue work. This is a helmet that really stays in shape throughout the entire day. One would think that a helmet this sturdy would not be the most comfortable, But it is actually a very comfortable option for people to rely on. That is thanks to coming with two different sizes of headband foam for people to use for a customized fit. Couple that with a chin strap that can be easily adjusted, and if fitted correctly, this helmet feels like it is barely being even worn.
Having a helmet that can be used for a number of different things besides climbing is certainly beneficial. Yes, it is going to cost a little bit more in the end, but many people feel it is worth the investment. This is still a relatively small investment for protecting the head as much as possible during a very risky activity.
The best materials can usually provide the best support for climbers out there. Think of the Black Diamond Vapor helmet as exactly that. It is a very lightweight option that is also sporty, providing people with the best type of protection possible while on the go.
What To Love: One of the best, sturdiest fits out of climbing helmets online.
Buy the Petzl Alveo Vent Helmet for Rescue Work HERE.
Any Cons?: Extended wear without breaks can be too much for some people.
Youngest of four children. Owner of three degrees. Mother of two dogs. One love.